Muslim civil rights group urges Muslim community leaders to utilize its ‘Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety’ booklet
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 5/19/26) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on local law enforcement authorities to step up security at mosques and Islamic institutions nationwide after yesterday’s deadly terror attack on a San Diego mosque that left five people dead, including the two attackers, who died from self-inflicted wounds.
The Mirror (UK) reports: “Investigators probing the incident from the San Diego Police Department uncovered a petrol canister emblazoned with the logo of the SS, the Nazi paramilitary organisation, anti-Islam scrawlings and weapons engraved with hate speech.”
One of the attackers reportedly left a suicide note referencing “racial pride.”
SEE: San Diego Mosque Attack Comes Amid Rising Reports of Islamophobia – New York Times
SEE ALSO: Deadly Shooting In CA Prompts Increased Security At NJ Places Of Worship: AG
Washington, D.C., based CAIR also called on Muslim community leaders to utilize its “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety” booklet to help keep religious facilities safe. The advice in the booklet is applicable to all houses of worship.
In a statement, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said:
“This horrific terror attack is the deadly consequence of years of anti-Muslim hate, demonization and dangerous rhetoric targeting American Muslims and other marginalized communities. Mosques and Islamic institutions across the country are facing heightened threats, and local law enforcement agencies must act immediately to increase patrols and coordinate with community leaders to help protect worshipers. We also urge elected officials and public figures to stop fueling hatred and division that inevitably inspire acts of violence.”
Last night, CAIR demanded that politicians end their “campaign of hate” targeting American Muslims after the San Diego terror attack.
Earlier yesterday, CAIR and its San Diego office (CAIR-San Diego) condemned the attack and said CAIR-San Diego representatives are on the scene monitoring developments.
Also yesterday, CAIR’s Texas chapter (CAIR-TX) joined with a number of Dallas–Fort Worth Muslim organizations in calling for an end to the hateful rhetoric and fear-mongering by some Texas politicians.
Last week, CAIR commended Democratic members of Congress who defended American Muslims and constitutional religious freedom during a House Judiciary subcommittee hearing on “Sharia law.” CAIR also condemned Republican members and witnesses for promoting anti-Muslim fearmongering and dangerous smear tactics amid rising anti-Muslim hate incidents nationwide.
According to CAIR’s most recent civil rights report, complaints of anti-Muslim bias and discrimination have continued to rise nationwide, reflecting an ongoing pattern of Islamophobia impacting communities across the country.
Washington, D.C., based CAIR encourages community members facing bias or hate incidents to report them to law enforcement and to CAIR.
Report an incident to CAIR: https://www.cair.com/report/
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR-San Diego Executive Director Tazheen Nizam, tnizam@cair.com 760-201-7626